'Atheist' isn't my preference.

I’ve realised I prefer not to call myself an atheist. It seems like strange word. A word for something you don’t believe in. I don’t believe in unicorns but there’s no word for that, or pretty much anything else I don’t believe in.

Instead of calling myself an atheist I’d rather call myself a person of reason.

Plus what hits harder when someone asks if you believe in god, replying "No, I'm an atheist." OR "No. I'm a man/woman of reason".

(Though I do realise 'atheist' is a little sexier and easier to google.)

Is there any particular reason to why you do not prefer being referred to as an "Atheist"? I can understand as some people do not tend to be associated with general societal labels which take away from one's individuality.

I actually have no problem with calling myself an atheist as the definition of an "atheist" from the Merriam Webster dictionary states "one who believes that there is no deity". That is exactly who I am and therefore by the default definition I am an atheist. Then again I also believe that the word "atheist" should be capitalized as it now in society refers to a very certain group, such as those who disbelief in deities.

Heh. Had no idea. But I don't interact with many self-identified skeptics. I have to question this characterization though...it sounds more like a political usurpation of the idea of skepticism...something the Right is very talented at doing (it's admirable, really). I would bet there are still plenty of people out there who didn't get the memo that their label has been co-opted.

I don't think that the agnostics have a corner on that word. One can be skeptical of anything. Magic, the supernatural, certain medicines, homeopathy, ufo's, to name some that might deserve the scrutiny.